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Chapter XVIII

Puter returns to the Pacific Coast for the purpose of throwing himself upon the leniency of Francis J. Heney, and is recaptured by Government Secret Service Agents and local officers after a series of exciting adventures—Gives a vivid account of his arrest and subsequent confinement in various jails, in the course of which he hands the Sheriff of Alameda Count some left-handed compliments for his Russianized methods of conducting a prison—Is much shocked to learn that he was betrayed by Allie McKinley, his former partner's cousin—Is transported to Portland, Oregon, where he receives a severe sentence for his misdeeds—Takes up the burdens of life as philosophically as possible in the Multnomah County Jail, and receives a New Year's gift from President Roosevelt in the form of a Pardon.

UPON arriving at the metropolis, I engaged a room with board in a private family on 125th street for a week, during which I made no effort at disguise. As a matter of fact, I visited many public places and points of interest, including the United States Navy Yard at Brooklyn, the opening of the season at Coney Island, besides the billiard tournament then in progress in New York City, various theatres and other places of attraction. I likewise called daily at the Astor House news stand for the Portland Morning Oregonian, so it will be seen that I was indifferent to the question of recapture.

At the expiration of my week with the family on 125th street, I returned to my old quarters on West 44th street, where I remained another week, at the end of which time I resolved to return to the Pacific Coast.

For the past ten days I had been debating in my mind when to go back and see Mr. Heney. It was difficult to determine on the correct course to pursue, as I had no knowledge as to how Mr. Heney would view the situation, or of his probable action in event that I returned and gave myself up. I knew, as a matter of fact, that I was already convicted in the 11-7 case and was out under $4,000 bond, a motion having been filed for a new trial. I also knew that I had been indicted jointly with F. Pierce Mays and others in the 24-1 case, in which I had been placed under an additional sum of $4,000, making $8,000 in all, and that there were still other indictments hanging over me. I had neither thought nor desire to escape these indictments, as I believe, because of having joined forces with the Government officials, and by reason of the valuable services rendered Mr. Heney immediately after my conviction, that I would be shown leniency, as I had been very active in the matter of securing evidence against Senator Mitchell, F. Pierce Mays and others.

At the time of presenting the evidence in question, the public in general, believing that I was actuated by revengful motives, clamored for my scalp and the lie was given in toto to my every declaration. Even Mr. Heney, at first, seemed dubious, but the time soon arrived when all doubt was dispelled, and not only was Mr. Heney convinced, but the public likewise was forced to accept as true every statement made by me relative to the guilt of the defendants.

I had known, from my association with Mr. Heney, that he was one who admired the truth. He insisted on and would have it and nothing short of the whole truth would suffice. This I had given him, varying neither to one side or the other, but keeping ever in the straight and narrow path, and as a reward for the services rendered, I could not but believe that he would deal graciously with me concerning the case in which I was convicted, as well as those under which I had been indicted.

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